By Danny Mills

30th May, 2022 | 10:21am

West Ham news: Expert can't believe 'crushing' behind-the-scenes blow

Danny Mills has insisted the departure of first-team coach Stuart Pearce will not be a “crushing blow” to West Ham.

The former England defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 60-year-old did not play a major role in the backroom staff at the London Stadium.

West Ham confirmed last week (23 May) that Pearce has stepped down from his role as a first-team coach on David Moyes’ staff after a two-year spell at the club.

The former Irons defender claimed “now is the right time to step away and pursue other opportunities and challenges”.

Pearce had been working alongside assistant boss Billy McKinlay and coaches Kevin Nolan, Paul Nevin, and Xavi Valero.

Mills, who played under the former Man City boss between 2005 and 2007, suggested his ex-boss did not hold a “significant” role on Moyes’ staff.

“I’m not really sure what he did at the club,” he told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.

“Moyes has got his coaches in place, and Stuart Pearce was almost an assistant to that coaching staff – a sounding board of sorts.

“I’m not really sure of his role. He was doing a lot of media stuff, so he can’t have been playing that significant of a role on the training ground.

“He certainly won’t have been needed every single day and evening.

“Yes, it was probably valuable to have his experience around the place and as a sounding board for Moyes – but it won’t be a crushing blow.”

West Ham will play in the Europa Conference League during the 2022-23 campaign.

The Hammers finished seventh in the Premier League this term.

In other news, pundit tells West Ham to sign relegated star for “peanuts” this summer.